[Value of C-reactive protein assay in severe infectious purpura in children]

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) values were obtained in 24 children with infectious purpura: 8 were not shocked and survived, 10 were shocked and survived, 6 were shocked and died. On admission, mean CRP levels were significantly lower (P less than 0.001) in shocked patients who died (69 +/- 27 mg/l) than in shocked patients who survived (209 +/- 60 mg/l). In shocked patients the predictive value for death of a CRP level below 100 mg/l was 83%. The predictive value for survival of a CRP level above 100 mg/l was 90%. Steadily high values of CRP beyond the 8th day seem to be related to severe necrosis rather than to an unsuccessful treatment or superinfection.